I wrecked my scalp

**YvetteVarie** · November 16th, 2018, 02:17 AM

I had a protective style done recently (posted pictures on the Kinky 4s thread). However, it seems that the stylist had put too much tension on the style. I ended up lasting 2 days in the style and removed it. The problem is my scalp constantly hurts now, it seems like I was starting to develop scalp sores from the excessive tension and nothing I do seems to help. I have done scalp massages using grapeseed oil, and a shea butter mix containing grapeseed and castor oil but nothing seems to help. My scalp hurts so much I can barely comb my hair to keep it contained for work. What else can I do to soothe it? I have plenty of time over the weekend to dedicate to my hair.

**lucid** · November 16th, 2018, 02:41 AM

Have you tried to ice your scalp?

The amount of tension you're describing is damaging and can cause traction alopecia. The stylist should be ashamed. Nothing protective about damaging peoples hair follicles. Good think you removed it, may very well have saved your follicles.

I hope you feel better soon. Maybe use another stylist known for being more gentle if you decide to go for it again?

**lapushka** · November 16th, 2018, 04:55 AM

Nothing is "protective" about these tension "do's" at all. Wish you would have removed it straight away, or had gone back to her to get your money back. But... oh well, the good thing is: you took it out!

I would give it a wash. Nice warm water, a little massaging action takes care of whatever aches I have on my scalp; it might not ease it all, but it might help alleviate the issue somewhat.

Good luck to you!

**Joules** · November 16th, 2018, 05:22 AM

I second lapushka's advice, give it a nice wash. I have sensitive hair follicles, and whenever something starts to hurt because of a tight style, I have to either wash or spray some water on ,y scalp. For some reason it's the water that works for me, massages aren't as effective. I've never dealt with such an extreme case of follicle pain though, but it's the best thing I can suggest. Good luck!

**lapushka** · November 16th, 2018, 06:06 AM

Yep, the warm water does it a world of good (not hot, just nice and cozy warm).

**blackgothicdoll** · November 16th, 2018, 08:25 AM

I agree with a nice wash. When I had tension like that in the past, I wouldn't put anything thick like castor oil or shea butter on my scalp. I'm not very sciencey, but I felt anything thick would clog my follicles, and any part of your skin needs oxygen to breathe when healing. I liked to take a spray bottle of water, put in a few drops of tea tree or peppermint, and spray that on my scalp. It kept it clean and was very soothing. Just make sure you have a high water

eppermint/tea tree ratio, too much of an essential oil could make things worse.

Try not to touch it too much after washing gently and using a spritz. I know it's irritating, but the more time and air you give it, the better it will heal.

This is part of the reason I stopped going to hair braiders. They don't care about the health of your hair, just want the style to look good and last long. When prioritizing these things, they definitely won't prioritize hair and scalp health.

ETA: Just remembered, what I did above was what I did when I had braids done. They say not to wash your hair after braids, but I would immediately go home and put a warm wet rag against my scalp to clean it, then the thing with water/peppermint or I'd water/diluted conditioner with peppermint such as trader joe's tea tree tingle, but in your case I'd suggest just water, maybe a little bit of oil in that too. In hindsight I should have also removed them since they could have caused damage, so I'm glad you did!

**Sarahlabyrinth** · November 16th, 2018, 08:54 AM

I would try putting some nice warm water on it and some very gentle massage, and see how that works for you. That stylist should have known way, way better that that! Does she want bald clients?